§ Mr. J. BROWNasked the Secretary for Scotland, whether in March, 1919, a conference of representatives of library committees in Scotland passed a resolution affirming the urgent need for the removal of the limitation of the library rate; whether he is aware that the deputation which waited upon him in May, 1919, was representative of much wider interests than the Scottish Library Association alone; that if he suspends coming to a decision on this matter until the convention of royal burghs in April library committees will be compelled to estimate for the coming year on their present totally inadequate incomes, which in many cases were insufficient to meet the unavoidable liabilities of this year; and whether, in view of the fact that an Act was passed for England and Wales last year, he will take immediate steps to assimilate the law in Scotland?
§ Mr. MORISONThe answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative, and my right hon. Friend has received from the Library Association a representation suggesting that the present financial position is as indicated in the third part. While my right hon. Friend recognises the force of this representation, legislation could not in any case take 1835W effect before April, and, as already stated in reply to similar questions, he thinks it desirable to obtain the views of the Convention of Burghs before reaching a decision. I may remind the hon. Member that in cases where the penny rate is insufficient for the purposes of a public library a burgh local authority may apply for my consent to appropriate a sum from the Equivalent Grant towards the expenses; and also that Section 5 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, has already made provision for the additional supply of books for general reading through the new Education Authority.